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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

March: Bringing up the rear

This March brought much sweetness to our days. Spending two weeks where I grew up with family and friends and trying to make maple syrup yet again. It seems that the sap doesn't flow just because I really, really want it to. But what the cold kept away the warmth of being surrounded by familiar people and the grounding nature of place filled up; not just for me of course but for my boys too.

When you live far away from the people who raised you, where your peers growing up, and know you in your first awkward and/or innocent versions it is surreal to return sometimes. I often feel a bit out of sorts trying to reconcile the me of the past with the me of now. But then you feel the old bonds, are taken care of in ways that speak more to your soul than to your rational mind and when I leave I feel full. Full of the energy of those who formed my sense of self, who shared years of memories and made the person I am now possible.

So while the cold temperatures were difficult for this west coast convert to accept, there is no mistaking the spring in my step and deep gratitude I feel for being able to go home again. And while we were away the youngest member of the family turned 2. Oh, goodness here he is, 2 already. I can't say that I wish he wasn't exactly where he is. This little ball of cuteness that is full of mischief and silly grins, I dare say he is most perfectly himself and that makes this spring all the brighter (and of course busy).

So the thing about March is that it was over in a flash and now we are in full on spring mode and there is so much to say, so much good art about, and so much life being lived. I can't help but feel optimism oozing out of everyone's pores. 2013 is quite a trip so far.